Annexe K

(normative)

Cross laminated timber (X-Lam)

1 General

1.1 Terms and definitions for cross laminated timber

Cross laminated timber according to Figure 1 is a multi-layered timber product, which consists of at
least three orthogonally bonded layers. Three adjacent layers with the same grain orientation are
allowed in cross laminated timber with at least five layers.

Key

(1) cross laminated timber as a plate (2) cross laminated timber as a diaphragm

(3) plane of the element (4) lateral face

(5) narrow side (6) outer layer

(7) middle layer

Figure K.1 ― Cross laminated timber

1.2 Symbols

bl width of the lamella

fr,k characteristic value of the rolling shear strength; equal to fv,9090,k according to EN 16351

fr,d design value of the rolling shear strength

ftor,k characteristic value of the torsional strength; equal to fmz,9090,k according to EN 16351

ftor,d design value of the torsional strength

tl thickness of the lamella

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2 Principles for design and construction

1.3 Principles of limit states design

The layup of the cross laminated timber shall be considered in the calculation of the stresses and
resistances of the cross section as well as for the verification of the connections.

1.4 Verification by the partial factor method

The recommended value of the partial factor for cross laminated timber is M = 1,25.

3 Material properties

1.5 General

The modification factor kmod and the deformation factor kdef in Tables K.1 and K.2 are valid for cross
laminated timber with layers made of sawn timber according to EN 14081-1 or layers made of solid
timber panels according to EN 13353.

Tables K.1 and K.2 are not valid for cross laminated timber with layers made of wood based
products out of the scope of EN 13353.

Table K.1 ― Modification factor kmod for cross laminated timber

Product Service Load-duration class

class
Permanent Long-term Medium- Short-term Instantaneous
term
cross 1 0,60 0,70 0,80 0,90 1,10
laminated
timber with
layers made of 2 0,60 0,70 0,80 0,90 1,10
a
solid timber
a
Layers made of solid timber consist of solid timber according to EN 14081-1 or solid timber panels according to EN
13353.

Tabelle K.2 ― Deformation factor kdef for cross laminated timber

Product Service class

1 2
cross laminated timber with
a 0,80 1,00
layers made of solid timber
a
Layers made of solid timber consist of solid timber according to EN 14081-1 or solid timber panels
according to EN 13353.

1.6 Cross laminated timber – product properties

The use of cross laminated timber is restricted to service classes 1 and 2.

Cross laminated timber shall fulfil the provisions of EN 16351.

Characteristic values of strength and stiffness for cross laminated timber with layers made of solid
timber according to EN 14081-1 or solid timber panels according to EN 13353 are given in Table K.3
and are based on the timber laminations.
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 Table K.3 – Characteristic values of strength and stiffness for cross laminated timber based
2
on the timber laminations, in N/mm

Characteristic value of a single layer of the cross layer of lamellas solid timber panel
laminated timber
timber layer based on timber layer based
boards according to on panels according
a b
EN 14081-1 to EN 13353
bending strength fm,lay,k ksys · fm,k fm,k

tension strength parallel ft,0,lay,k ksys · ft,0,k ft,0,k

perpendicular ft,90,lay,k ksys · ft,90,k ft,90,k
compression parallel fc,0,lay,k ksys · fc,0,k fc,0,k
strength
perpendicular fc,90,lay,k 3,0

shear strength Shear fv,0,lay,k 3,5

cross plane
Torsion ftor,lay,k 2,5

shear strength Shear fv,lay,k 2,3

in plane
rolling shear
strengt
h fr,lay,k 0,7

modulus of parallel E0,lay,mean 1,05 · E0,mean E0,mean

elasticity
perpendicular E90,lay,mean 450

shear modulus parallel G0,lay,mean G0,mean

rolling shear perpendicular Gr,lay,mean 65
e
modulus
a
T-classes are not defined in EN 338 but in EN 14080.
b
Characteristic values for strengths, stiffnesses and density shall fulfil the provisions in EN 12369-3.
c
The characteristic values for shear strength fv,0,lay,k could be increased to 5,0 N/mm2 if the total thickness of bonded layers
with the same grain orientation does not exceed 40 mm.
d
A characteristic value of 1,0 N/mm2 for rolling shear strength could be used if the inequality bl/tl > 4 is fulfilled. Grooves in
laminations shall be regarded as free (non bonded) edges.
e
The 5%-quantile of the modulus of elasticity and the shear modulus are equal to 5/6 of the mean values:
E05 = 5/6 ∙ Emean G05 = 5/6 ∙ Gmean
f
The modulus of elasticity perpendicular to grain of a timber layer E90,lay,mean is equal to 0 N/mm², if the value is not necessary
for the static equilibrium.

The height factor kh shall not be used.

The characteristic value of the density of cross laminated timber shall be calculated k = 1,1 · lay,k. If
the layup of the cross laminated timber consists of layers with different densities, the characteristic
value of the density shall be equal to the layer with the lowest characteristic value of the density.

*
The diaphragm shear stiffness S xy (per unit of length) of cross laminated timber shall be calculated
according to equation (K.1) if the width of grooves is less than 2 mm:

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 G0,mean t
*
Sxy  qS (K.1)
t 
1  6 pS  max 
 a 

Key

G0,mean Mean value of the shear modulus parallel to the direction of the grain according to
Table K.3

t Total thickness of the cross laminated timber

tmax Maximum thickness of a single layer

a Mean width of a lamella; if no further information is available the default value is equal
to 80 mm

pS, qS Parameter according to Table K.4

*
The torsion stiffness Dxy (per unit of length) of cross laminated timber shall be calculated according
to equation (K.2) if the width of grooves is less than 2 mm:

t3
G0,mean
*
Dxy  12 (K.2)
qD
t 
1  6 pD  max 
 a 

Key

G0,mean Mean value of the shear modulus parallel to the direction of the grain according to
Table K.3

t Total thickness of the cross laminated timber

tmax Maximum thickness of a single layer

a Mean width of a lamella; if no further information is available the default value is equal
to 80 mm

pD, qD Parameter according to Table K.4

*
Table K.4 ― Parameter for the determination of the diaphragm shear stiffness S xy and the
*
torsion stiffness Dxy
a b
Parameter Number of layers
c
3 5 7
diaphragm shear stiffness pS 0,53 0,43
qS 1,21
torsion stiffness pD 0,89 0,67 0,55
qD 1,33 1,26 1,23
a
The parameters were evaluated for cross laminated timber with equal layer thicknesses.
b
The number of layers counts the orthogonal layers.
c
For cross laminated timber with more than 7 orthogonal layers the parameters for 7 orthogonal layers are
valid.

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4 Durability
EN 1995-1-1 should be applied for the calculation of cross laminated timber.

5 Basis of structural analysis

As a member of a load bearing structure cross laminated timber could transfer loads as a diaphragm
in plane and/or out of plane as a plate. The load bearing behaviour and the stresses in a cross
section depend on the load situation, the static system and the layup of the cross laminated timber.

The structure of the layup as well as the material of each layer influence the stiffness values of the
cross laminated timber (extensional, bending, shear and torsion stiffness). The calculation of the
distribution of internal forces, stresses and deformations is based on these stiffness values.

The calculation model shall consider the mechanical properties of the cross laminated timber, effects
due to distributed and local loads (e.g. load application by supports, concentrated loads,
connections), openings and cut-outs as well as the inner load transfer (e.g. torsion of bond lines,
block shear due to connections).

The selection of the calculation model shall consider the eventual influence of the specific
mechanical properties due to the manufacturing process and the material of the layers (rolling shear
strength, torsion stiffness etc.) as well as the area of validity of the calculation model (stiffness
values, concentrated loads, openings and cut-outs).

NOTE 1 Properties due to the manufacturing process and the material of the layers are e.g. cracks, gaps
and grooves
NOTE 2 Calculation models appropriate for the design of plates with normal and bending stresses are the
shear-elastic orthotropic plate, the shear-analogy method [Schubanalogieverfahren] and the
shear-elastic beam grillage.

The distribution of stresses and deformations could be calculated based on a one-dimensional panel
strip, if a dominating orthotropic characteristic of the plate and the situation of the supports lead to
one-dimensional load transfer.

NOTE 3 Calculation models appropriate for the design of beams with normal and/or bending stresses are
the shear-elastic orthotropic beam, shear-analogy method [Schubanalogieverfahren] and the
modified -method.

The influence of the shear deformation could be disregarded for the global verifications of single
span members with a ratio between span and thickness of l/t ≥ 30 for ultimate and serviceability limit
states.

Gaps between adjacent laminations within a timber layer with a maximum width of 6 mm attributable
to manufacturing are not seen as reductions of the cross-sectional area according to EN 1995-1-
1:2014, paragraph 5.2.

6 Ultimate and serviceability limit states

1.7 Design of cross-sections

1.1.1 General

The verification of edge stress due to combined bending and normal stress shall be calculated for
each decisive layer of the cross laminated timber.

The verification of shear stress due to combined lateral forces and shear forces in the plane of the
diaphragm shall be calculated for each decisive layer of the cross laminated timber.

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1.2.1 Tension parallel to the grain

The regulations of EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph 6.1.2 shall be applied with the following
supplement:

t,0,d Design value of the tension strength in the fibre direction of the stressed layer

The stresses shall be calculated with the cross section of the layers where the fibres are parallel to
the load direction.

1.3.1 Compression parallel to the grain

The regulations of EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph 6.1.4 shall be applied with the following
supplement:

c,0,d Design value of the compression strength parallel to fibre direction of the stressed layer

The stresses shall be calculated with the cross section of the layers where the fibres are parallel to
the load direction.

1.4.1 Compression perpendicular to the grain

The regulations of EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph 6.1.5 shall be applied with the following
supplement:

c,90,d Design value of the compression strength perpendicular to the narrow side of the cross
laminated timber

The effective contact area Aef shall be replaced by the physical contact area A90. The layup of the
cross laminated timber shall be considered for the calculation of A90 (e.g. connection wall/ceiling).

The following values of kc,90 are valid for linear transmission of force to the assembly:

– perpend. to the grain direction of the outer timber layer of continuous support: kc,90 = 1,80,
– perpend. to the grain direction of the outer timber layer of discrete supports: kc,90 = 1,50,
– parallel to the grain direction of the outer timber layer of discrete supports: kc,90 = 1,50.

The following values of kc,90 are valid for punctual transmission of force to the assembly:

– for edge distances larger than the thickness of cross laminated timber: kc,90 = 1,80,
– on the edge of cross laminated timber: kc,90 = 1,50,
– in the corner of cross laminated timber: kc,90 = 1,30.

1.5.1 Bending

The regulations of EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph 6.1.6 shall be applied with the following
supplement:

m,d Design value of the bending strength for stresses due to moments in (Mx or My) or
perpendicular to plane (Mz)

The stresses shall be calculated with the cross section of the layers where the stress direction is
parallel to the grain direction of the layer. Effects of local stress concentration shall be considered.

Effects of local stress concentration (e.g. the influence of the shear deformation of the cross layers
on the normal stresses parallel to grain) due to load application by continuous supports or
concentrated loads could be simplified as follows:

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 m,d ≤ km,loc · fm,d (K.3)

Key

km,loc Factor considering the effects of local stress concentration: km,loc = 0,7

1.6.1 Shear

The regulations of EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph 6.1.7 shall be applied with the following
supplement:

v(r),d Design value of the shear strength for stresses due to moments in plane (Mx or My)

The stresses shall be calculated with the cross section of the layers where the stress direction is
parallel to the grain direction of the layer.

The factor kcr is equal to 1,0.

For shear stresses due to moment perpendicular to plane ( Nxy), the following equation shall be
satisfied:

 V,0,d  f V,0,d (K.4)

where
nxy,d
 V,0,d  (K.5)
min( Ax , Ay )

Key

Ax Cross section of the layers with grain direction parallel to the x-axis

Ay Cross section of the layers with grain direction parallel to the y-axis

nxy,d Design value of the shear force in plane

V ,0,d Shear stress in plane

The torsional shear stress due to shear force in plane direction in the glue lines between lamellas of
adjacent orthogonal layers shall satisfy the following expression:

 tor,d  f tor,d (K.6)

3   V,0,d  tmax
 tor,d  (K.7)
a

Key

 V,0,d Torsional shear stress due to shear force in plane

a Mean width of a lamella; if no further information is available the default value is equal
to 80 mm

tmax Maximum thickness of a single layer

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If shear stress occurs due to force in plane direction and perpendicular to plane, they shall be added.

1.8 Design of cross-sections subjected to combined stresses

The regulations of EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph 6.2 shall be applied.

1.9 Stability of members

The instability factor kc shall be calculated according to EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph 6.3

considering the material and structural layup of the cross laminated timber.

The critical bending stress m,crit could be calculated regardless of the shear deformation in the
whole range of slenderness.

The straightness factor  c is equal to 0,2 for cross laminated timber.

1.10 Design of cross-sections in members with varying cross-section or curved

shape

1.7.1 Notched members

Cross laminated timber plates with notches or loads with the same effects (free narrow sides around
cut-outs or punctual loads) shall be calculated analogously to EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph 6.5.2.
The value kn for LVL shall be taken also for cross laminated timber.

The Annex F Cut-outs in beams could be applied analogously.

1.11 System strength

The maximum value for the system strength factor ksys is equal to 1,2 for cross laminated timber. The
system strength factor could be considered according to EN 1995-1-1:2014, Figure 6.12 for layers
with lamellas with a width equal to the reference width of 150 mm.

Eventual effects on the strength class of the lamellas due to a reduced width shall be considered for
strips of cross laminated timber with a width less than 300 mm. These effects could be covered by
the application of the system strength factor ksys = 0,9.

7 Serviceability limit states

1.12 Joint slip

The regulations of EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph 7.1 shall be applied.

1.13 Limiting values for deflections of beams

The regulations of EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph K.4 (5) shall be applied analogously.

1.14 Vibrations

The maximum modal damping ratio for cross laminated timber is equal to  = 0,04.

The transverse distribution of loads could be considered in the calculation if the design of the joint
between cross laminated timber members allows the load transfer.

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8 Connections with metal fasteners

1.15 General

The regulations of EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph 8 shall be applied with the following supplement:

The material (fibre direction of the layers) and structural (e.g. gaps) layup of the cross laminated
timber shall be considered for the calculation of the resistance of connections.

1.16 Resistance of shear plane connections with metal fasteners

1.8.1 General

The calculation of the resistance of shear plane connections are based on the equations
(NA.K.8), (NA.K.9) and (NA.K.12) for the values of the characteristic embedment strength fh,k and
EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph 8.2.2 and 8.2.3.

The equations (NA.K.8), (NA.K.9) and (NA.K.12) are valid for timber layers with a minimum
thickness of ti = 9 mm and a maximum gap width of 6 mm.

The rope effect could be considered according to EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph 8.2.2 (2).

1.9.1 Nailed connections

The regulations of this paragraph are only valid for profiled nails.

5.1.6.1 Laterally loaded nails

5.1.6.4.1 General

i. Nails in the lateral face of cross laminated timber

The characteristic value of the embedment strength fh,k shall be calculated for profiled, non-predrilled
nails in the lateral face of cross laminated timber regardless of the angle between load and grain
direction of the outer layers as follows:

fh,k = 60  d 0,5 (K.8)

Key

d Nominal fastener diameter, in mm

The minimum spacings and edge and end distances for nails in the lateral face of cross laminated
timber are given in Table K.5

Tabelle K.5 ― Minimum spacings and edge and end distances for nails in the lateral face of
cross laminated timber

a1 a2 a3,t a3,c a4,t a4,c

(3 + 3 cos ) d 3d (7 + 3 cos ) d 6d (3 + 4 sin ) d 3d

Key
 Angle between load direction and grain direction of the outer layers.

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ii. Nails in the narrow side of cross laminated timber

The characteristic value of the embedment strength fh,k shall be calculated for profiled, non-predrilled
nails in the narrow side of cross laminated timber regardless of the angle between load direction and
grain direction of the outer layers as follows:

fh,k = 20  d 0,5 (K.9)

Key

d Nominal fastener diameter in mm

Nails in the end grain of the narrow side of cross laminated timber should be disregarded for the
calculation of the resistance.

The minimum thickness of cross laminated timber and the decisive layer as well as minimum
penetration depth in the narrow side for stresses in plane are given in Table K.6.

Table K.6 ― Minimum thickness of cross laminated timber and the decisive layer as well as
minimum penetration depth in the narrow side for stresses in plane

Minimum thickness of Minimum thickness of the minimum penetration depth of the

Cross laminated timber t decisive layer ti nail in the narrow side t1 and t2
mm mm mm
3d for d  8mm
10 d 10 d
2d for d  8mm

Key
t1 Minimum penetration depth of the nail in the narrow side of the outer member
t2 Minimum penetration depth of the nail in the narrow side of the central member

The minimum spacings and edge and end distances for nails in the narrow side of cross laminated
timber are given in Table K.7.

Tabelle K.7 ― Minimum spacings and edge and end distances for nails in the narrow side of
cross laminated timber

a2
a1
(perpendicular a3,t a3,c a4,c
(in plane)
to the plane)
10 d 3d 12 d 7d 5d

5.1.6.1 Axially loaded nails

The minimum thickness of cross laminated timber and the minimum spacings for axially loaded nails
in the narrow side of cross laminated timber are given in Table K.5 and K.6.

for the calculation of the resistance The minimum number of nails in connection is six.

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iii. Nails in the lateral face of cross laminated timber

The minimum nominal diameter of nails in connections of cross laminated timber with gaps and
grooves within layers is equal to 4 mm. The minimal effective penetration depth lef is equal to 8 d.

The characteristic value of the resistance of an axial loaded, profiled nail in the lateral face of cross
laminated timber shall be calculated as follows:

Fax,Rk = 14  d 0,6  lef (K.10)

Key:

d Nominal fastener diameter, in mm

lef effective penetration depth, in mm

The characteristic value of the resistance according to equation (K.10) shall be reduced to 80 % if
the nominal diameter is less than 6 mm

iv. Nails in the narrow side of cross laminated timber

Connections with axial loaded nails in the narrow side of cross laminated timber shall be avoided.

1.17 Bolted connections

1.10.1 Laterally loaded bolts

v. Bolts in the lateral face of cross laminated timber

The characteristic value of the embedment strength fh,k for bolts in the lateral face of cross laminated
timber could be calculated as follows:

32(1  0,015 d ) (K.12)

fh,k =
1,1sin2 α  cos2 α

under the condition of:

- maximum layer thickness ti,max ≤ 40 mm,

- minimum penetration of three layers and ratio  of the adjacent cross bonded layers as follows:

 
 ti,x with 0,95    2,1 (K.11)
 ti,y

Key

ti,x Thickness of the single layer with parallel grain direction to the grain direction of the
outer layer

ti,y Thickness of the single layer with perpendicular grain direction to the grain direction of
the outer layer

d Nominal fastener diameter in mm

 Angle between load and grain direction of the outer layers

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 The effective number of fasteners in line parallel to the grain is nef = n, if the minimum spacings and
edge and end distances are considered according to Table K.8.

Tabelle K.8 ― Minimum spacings and edge and end distances for bolts in the lateral face of
cross laminated timber

a1 a2 a3,t a3,c a4,t a4,c

4 d
min  4d 5d 4d 3d 3d
(3  2 cos ) d
Key
 Angle between load and grain direction of the outer layers

1.18 Dowelled connections

1.11.1 Laterally loaded dowels

vi. Dowels in the lateral face of cross laminated timber

The regulations of EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph K.8.4.1.1 shall be applied analogously.

The effective number of fasteners in line parallel to the grain is nef = n, if the minimum spacings and
edge and end distances are considered according to Table K.9.

Tabelle K.9 ― Minimum spacings and edge and end distances for dowels in the lateral face
of cross laminated timber

a1 a2 a3,t a3,c a4,t a4,c

3 d
(3 + 2 cos ) d 3d 5d min  3d 3d
4 sin
Key
 Angle between load and grain direction of the outer layers

1.19 Screwed connections

The provisions of the paragraph are valid for self-drilling, fully or partly threaded screws.

The minimum nominal screw diameter is 6 mm for load bearing connections.

Provisions for the minimum number of screws per unit of length for linear transmission of force are
given in paragraph 1.22.

The minimum spacings and edge and end distances for screws in the lateral face of cross laminated
timber are given in Table K.10.
Tabelle K.10 – Minimum spacings and edge and end distances for screws in the lateral face
of cross laminated timber

Situation of the screw a1 a2 a3,t a3,c a4,t a4,c

in the lateral face 4d 2,5 d 6d 6d 6d 2,5 d

in the narrow face 10 d 3d 12 d 7d 5d 5d

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 1.12.1 Laterally loaded screws

vii. Screws in the lateral face of cross laminated timber

The regulations of EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph K.8.3.1.1 shall be applied analogously.

viii. Screws in the narrow side of cross laminated timber

The regulations of EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph K.8.3.1.2 shall be applied analogously.

The equation (8.34) of EN 1995-1-1:2014 shall be applied for groups of screws.

1.13.1 Axially loaded screws

The minimum effective penetration length is lef = 4 d.

The minimum thicknesses of cross laminated timber for axial loaded screws in the narrow side are
given in Table K.6.

The equation (8.41) of EN 1995-1-1:2014 is valid for groups of at least four screws.

ix. Screws in the lateral face of cross laminated timber

The minimum nominal screw diameter is 6 mm for load bearing connections in the lateral face of
cross laminated timber.

The characteristic value of the withdrawal resistance of screws in the lateral face of cross laminated
timber could be calculated according to EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph 8.7.2.

x. Screws in the narrow side of cross laminated timber

The minimum nominal screw diameter is 8 mm for axial loaded screws in the narrow side of cross
laminated timber.

The characteristic value of the withdrawal resistance of axial loaded screws in the narrow side of
cross laminated timber could be calculated regardless of the position of the screw in the narrow side
as follows:

Fax,Rk  20  d 0,8  lef

0,9
(K.13)

Key

d Nominal fastener diameter in mm

lef Effective penetration length in mm

Screws in the narrow side of cross laminated timber should penetrate the layers with a direction of
the grain perpendicular to the screw axis. If this cannot be guaranteed, partly threaded screws
should be used with a minimum penetration length on the side of the screw tip of 3 d + lef.

If the minimum angle between the direction of the grain and the screw axis is equal to 45°, the
characteristic value of the withdrawal resistance according to equation (K.13) could be multiplied by
1,25. The screws shall be situated in the middle of the layers.

1.20 Split ring and shear plate connectors

The regulations of EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph 8.9 shall be applied analogously.

In the case of tension perpendicular to the plane of the fastener the seat of the punched metal plate
fastener shall be secured.
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1.21 Toothed-plate connectors

The regulations of EN 1995-1-1:2014, paragraph 8.9 and K.8.9 shall be applied analogously for
connections with shear plate with spikes or punched metal plate fasteners.

9 Components and assemblies

1.22 Execution and control

The maximum spacings for connections of members made of cross laminated timber and
connections of cross laminated timber with other members are given as follows:

– connections of members made of cross laminated timber (screws): emax = 500 mm,
– connection of cross laminated timber with glulam (screws): emax = 500 mm,
– connection of cross laminated timber with steel profiles (screws): emax = 750 mm,
– connection of cross laminated timber with concrete or masonry (metal angle): emax = 1 000 mm.

The maximum spacing for connections should ensure the geometrical provisions of the design.

In general the minimum nominal diameter of screws should be 8 mm. The minimum length of the
screws depend on the thickness of the members and should be at least 1,5 times the thickness of
the member under the head of the screw.

The minimum nominal diameter of screws for the connection of members made of cross laminated
timber in one plane (rabbet edge or recessed top layer with a cross bonded panel) is equal to 6 mm.
The minimum length of the screws in a rabbet edge is equal to 0,8 times the thickness of the cross
laminated timber.

Profiled nails with a minimum diameter of 3 mm could be used for the connection of a cross bonded
panel (plywood or solid timber panel with three layers) in a recessed top layer with the cross
laminated timber. The maximum spacing for nails is equal to emax = 150 mm parallel to the joint.

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